2009 CHEVROLET AVEO check engine

Immobilizer Operation
The vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system.
The immobilizer system prevents the vehicle from
being started by an unauthorized person by isolating the
power supply to the ignition system, the fuel pump
and the fuel injectors.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition. You do not have to manually
arm or disarm the system.
Your vehicle has a special key that works with the
theft-deterrent system. There is a transponder in the key
head that is electronically coded. The correct key will
start the vehicle. An invalid key immobilizes the engine.
If your key is ever damaged, you may not be able to
start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light ashes or comes on,
there may be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-87. If the engine still does not
start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty.
See your dealer/retailer who can have a new key made.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
If you lose or damage your keys, only a dealer/retailer
can have new keys made.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you will be able to restart the engine
if you turn it off. The theft-deterrent system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by
your dealer/retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
theft-deterrent system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
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Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding the key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage the starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
the battery or damaging the starter.
2. If the engine does not start, wait about 15 seconds
and try again. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
When the engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, the vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
run the engine at high speed when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C),
let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then
stops, it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same thing,
but this time keep the pedal down for ve or
six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the
engine.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If electrical parts or
accessories are added, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you
do not, the engine might not perform properly.
Any resulting damage would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
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4. Replace the air conditioner lter.
5. View the air ow arrows on the lter before installing
to ensure the lter is installed correctly.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
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Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is
started this light and chime
comes on and stays on
for several seconds
to remind the people to
fasten their safety belts.
The light also begins
to ash.
This cycle repeats if the driver remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the
light nor chime comes on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor,
the airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more information on
the airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-60.This light comes on when
the vehicle is started,
and it will ash for a
few seconds. When the
light goes out this indicates
the system is functioning
properly.
If the airbag readiness light stays on or comes on while
driving, the airbag system may not work properly.
Have the vehicle serviced right away.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
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Charging System Light
This light will come on briey when the ignition is turned
on, and the engine is not running, as a check to show
it is working.
It should go out when the engine is started. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there may have a problem
with the electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer/retailer. Driving while this light is on could
drain the battery. If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, turn off all accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner to help reduce the drain
on the battery.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an
up-shift light.
When this light comes on, shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.
SeeManual Transmission Operation on page 2-26for
more information.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking,
both parts need to work.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF or if
the light comes on, stop as soon as possible and
turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on
again while driving, the vehicle needs service. See your
dealer/retailer. If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the brakes will still work, but the antilock
brakes will not work. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, the antilock brakes will not
work and there is a problem with the regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-28.The ABS warning light will come on briey when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN. This is normal. If the light
does not come on then, have it xed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
Hold Mode Light
If the vehicle has this
feature, this light comes on
when the hold mode is
active.
If the HOLD mode light ashes, have the vehicle
checked. See “Hold Mode” underAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-22for more
information.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The vehicle has an engine coolant temperature gage.
With the ignition turned to ON/RUN, this gage shows the
engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the engine is
too hot. It means that the engine coolant has overheated.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-30.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the tire
pressure light, it comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
It provides information about tire pressures and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are
signicantly underinated.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do,
and inate them to the proper pressure. SeeTires on
page 5-51for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for about
a minute and then stays on steady for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat with every
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-59for more information. United States
Canada
3-31

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of
the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
This light comes on when
the ignition is on, but the
engine is not running, as a
check to show it is
working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Heeding the light can prevent
more serious damage to the vehicle. This system
assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
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